Technique of the Week: Prismacolor on Kraft by Dianne Johnson

This post is in conjunction with the Art 'n Soul newsletter article, "Technique of the Week"

This is really less a technique and more a reminder about how great coloring with Prismacolor pencils is on kraft paper. To me, coloring and blending seems easier, and colors seem more vibrant on kraft paper.

First I die cut a piece of kraft cardstock using the largest die from the Lawn Fawn Small Stitched Rectangle Stackables LF768. This makes a rectangle that is 5" x 3.75", with stitches all around. I chose the Zen Bouquet image that I designed for Magenta this Spring, 44.024.Q, and stamped it with Versafine Onyx Black ink.

I started coloring the largest blossom with PC926 Carmine Red and PC918 Orange. It was while I was coloring that I decided to try and add some foil embellishments to the centers of the blossoms. I almost didn't share this card because this created all sorts of difficulties.

I first tried to use a Quickie Glue pen. I have seen this pen work for this application in videos before, but it wasn't working for me. If you let the glue get a little dry and tacky, it works better. I ended up using some Sticky Stuff powder from Judikins and pressing the foil to the glue, with the pretty side up. 

The coloring part went much better for me, and I really enjoyed coloring and blending the colors. After coloring the largest blossoms, I changed to PC1003 Spanish Orange for the rest of the blossoms, with a little of the Orange blended in. For the leaves I used PC912 Apple Green and PC911 Olive Green. At the end, I added some white dots using a Uniball Broad white gel pen, and stamped the Magenta sentiment "You are awesome!" 07.966.D, in Versafine Onyx black ink.

I had some trouble deciding what to use to matt the panel, so I ended up taking a piece of Neenah Solar White 80# cardstock cut to 5.25" x 4", and rubbed Versamark ink all around the edges. I applied Judikins Gold embossing powder and embossed it to get a nice gold border around it, and I adhered my kraft panel to that and mounted it to a base card of Neenah Solar white 110# cardstock. I added a few sequins for some sparkle.

For additional pictures of this technique and a list of all the materials used, please visit my Backporch blog here.

If you want to learn more about coloring with Prismacolor pencils, Terry Medaris is coming to teach two classes in June. We may not be able to get Terry back to teach, so take advantage of this opportunity and sign up for his classes. You'll be glad you did! 

By Terry Medaris

Terry will also be bringing a limited trunk show which is open to everyone. For more information on Terry's classes and other classes at Art 'n Soul, please check out our latest newsletter here. Or our calendar here.

MINI CLASSES ARE HERE!!
We have been planning something really special for you, and Marj is going to get the ball rolling with a Mini Class! 

We thought of doing these classes after the amazing success of the 12 Tags of Christmas make and takes. We thought it would be fun to step it up a notch and do a card; plus teach you some tips and techniques that you can use on lots of other projects. Each Mini Class will be open for a window of 2-3 hours, and will be held like a make and take. These will occur on different days of the week or weekend, and different times. Come any time during the time period given, and you can make the card for that day. Most of the supplies will be provided, but we may ask you to bring some items like tape runner or other things to help you complete your card. If you're in a hurry, or are on a lunch break, you can always put the card together at home, but you will have time to at least do the top panel, learn a new technique and have fun! The cost will be $5.00 in cash or store credit only please, and given to the teacher (your $5 in store credit can be transferred to the teacher if you choose to use that; whoever is working at the register can help you). 

Marj will be doing the first one on May 15, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Come in any time during that 2 hours to make this beautiful card.